Question

Find the equation of a parabola with a vertical axis and its vertex at the origin and passing through the point (-2, 3).

Answer 1

Answer:

$y=\frac{3}{4}x^2$

Step-by-step explanation:

Hi there!

Because we're given the vertex of the parabola, we can determine its equation in vertex form:

$y=a(x-h)^2+k$ where the vertex is $(h,k)$

Plug in the vertex (0,0)

$y=a(x-0)^2+0\\y=a(x)^2\\y=a(x-0)^2+0\\y=ax^2$

Now, we must solve for a. Plug in the given point (-2,3) and solve for a:

$3=a(-2)^2\\3=4a\\\frac{3}{4} =a$

Therefore, the value of a is $\frac{3}{4}$. Plug this back into $y=ax^2$:

$y=\frac{3}{4}x^2$

I hope this helps!